Wine aficionados enjoy the fruit of the vine for its many benefits, such as relaxation and a potential boost to heart health. Local entrepreneur Melanie Garibay, CEO and Owner of Nectar of The Dogs Wine, gives wine lovers another good reason to raise their glass, as every bottle of their boutique, handcrafted wine comes with a heartfelt mission.
“We donate 10% of our wine sales to dog rescue organizations, so when you sip with us, you know you are drinking for a great cause!” says Melanie, noting that “Nectar of the Dogs Wine itself is not a 501c3 organization, but the rescues we donate to are nonprofit and depend on donations from the community to fund the work they do, including medical care, food, training and more.”
Combining her deep appreciation of wine and profound love of dogs, Melanie says the creation of Nectar of the Dogs Wine stemmed from the desire to do something for a great cause.
“It started as a passion project—the original idea was to bottle a pallet of wine, 56 cases, with the help of a friend in the biz. We wanted to sell all the wine and give the proceeds to our favorite rescues,” she says. “The wine was very well-received, so we decided to start an actual company and continue with our mission.”
Sourcing wines from small producing wineries along the Central Coast and Central Valley of California, Melanie and her team work closely with the winemakers to craft each batch.
“We want everything we bottle to be approachable and easy drinking. It’s a tough job, but we taste everything before it goes in the bottle to make sure it’s the flavor profile we’re aiming for. I believe people who try and enjoy our wine appreciate the fact that we take the time to do this, and of course, that we are helping pups in need!” says Melanie.
Available online and through their wine club, as well as wholesale to select businesses and restaurants, Nectar of the Dogs Wine bottles commemorate and benefit man’s best friends.
“The company was created in memory of the dogs we loved that passed on to the Rainbow Bridge,” says Melanie. “The labels feature our dogs that continue to live on in our hearts. To honor them, we made a commitment to give back to dog rescues by donating a portion of all wine sales to various nonprofit rescue organizations that are dedicated to caring for and giving dogs in need a second chance at a happy, love-filled life.”
The company also repurposes the wine bottles into beautiful candles.
“They are hand-poured, 100% soy wax, so they’re clean burning and they smell WONDERFUL! We have various scents and it’s a great way to recycle the bottles,” says Melanie, who loves the passion and the culture that dog and wine lovers share.
“Every wine has a story, just like every rescue dog has a story,” she says. “Our story comes from the heart. We know we are not the biggest wine company, nor are we the first company to do something for a cause. But we also know that wine can sometimes be intimidating! So that’s why we love to bottle elegant, approachable drinking wines for many to enjoy because at the end of the day, the more wine we sell, the more we are able to give back to organizations that help animals in need. That is what keeps us going!”
For more information, visit NectaroftheDogsWine.com, call 702.275.0482 and follow Nectar of the Dogs Wine at IG & FB: @nectarofthedogswine.